act20side

First, you lied to my tribesmen, and now you're making trouble for all kinds of people.

So, I'm going to sock you.

Grit your teeth. It won't hurt too bad.

Stitch looks at Gavial's fist.

In an instant, many things flash through his mind.

The joy he felt when he listened to his teacher's lectures.

The hatred he felt when his teacher left.

The disappointment he felt every time he walked out of the design department after losing a design contest.

Before he knew it, whenever he looked at the dome above him, it was anger that he felt, not excitement.

He thought the feeling was his alone and that not only could no one understand him, he did not need to be understood by anyone.

But, at this very moment, now that he's finally learned that there are those who truly want to understand him and help him...

He realizes that perhaps it is time to set that something down.

He then thinks to himself... he should take this punch.

'Bam!'

Yet, even though he was anticipating the pain, he doesn't feel a thing.

He looks down to find a deep, fist-sized pit in the table.

Hah, now you're scared?

Relax, my fist's only for the bad guys.

You're not a bad guy. You're just a knucklehead. Why should I beat you up?

You're the knucklehead!

Well, look at you. In such a good mood that you can still talk back, huh?

So how about it? Wanna come along now?

Fine.

Okay, let us proceed with the voting.

If you are voting for the first proposal, please raise your hand.

A sparse number of hands go up around the forum.

Those with their hands up appear very calm, as though they've made up their minds, even though they know there wouldn't be many people voting for this measure.

And Avdotya knows that those who would vote for this proposal are always the ones who are willing to give their lives.

Record keeper, please record the number of votes for the first proposal.

Okay, please put your hands down.

If you are voting for the second proposal, please raise your hand.

This time, there are a lot of people with their hands up. Some of them even have bottles in them.

Most of them have rather sturdy builds. Undoubtedly, they are very confident in their excavation skills.

Record keeper, please record the number of votes for the second proposal.

Okay, please put your hands down.

If you are voting for the third proposal, please raise your hand.

The forum is dead silent.

No one has a hand up.

Avdotya knows that this outcome is only to be expected. Heading to the surface is a big decision, and her speech alone could hardly be enough to persuade them.

When she looks at the Durins whispering among themselves, she knows that her story has had no effect on them.

The Durins are not afraid. All they need is an opportunity.

They still need a push.

She also feels guilt deep in her heart.

The old her definitely would have been leading the opposition against moving to the surface.

But now she is doing other Durins' work for this.

Her guilty feelings quickly disappear, as she knows she is doing what is right.

I have a few things to add about going to the surface.

Acahualla is a humid rainforest. It is hot there, no matter the time of the year.

Even without any temperature control, we should still be able to get used to life there.

Besides, Acahualla is rich in lake water resources and is home to a natural waterfall. In other words, it's an all-natural 'Great Aquapit.'

Furthermore, Acahualla also has a large amount of mineral resources and land. If we wish to, we can build a new city there.

Of course, we will also have the pride of Zeruertza, a new landmark that will once again put smiles on everyone's faces!

Though we will have to discuss this with Acahualla's leader before we can make a decision.

Inam will agree to it.

Gavial?!

Hey, Avdotya, look who I brought here.

Hm? Who is it?

It's Stitch. I see you guys are pretty much done with that discussion. So, the dome repair's next, right?

Guess I came at just the right time?

You came at a terrible time!

Oh, alright. I mean, I may not be the leader of Acahualla, but let me say this on her behalf. Acahualla welcomes you all!

Get off the stage!

Hey, I got more to say!

No way!

It's true, Gavial and the surface-dwellers are all interesting.

Word. Besides, not only are they kind, they're strong, too. Making friends with them sounds like a fine idea.

I think so, too! Besides, they've got a bigger 'Great Aquapit' in Acahualla! What could be better?

But let's calm down and think it through. This is going to affect the future of the whole Durin race.

I don't see anything wrong with that future though.

Right, I'm with ya. I mean, even though a lot of bad things happened on the surface in Avdotya's story, just like we've always heard—

But if all those bad things shaped Avdotya into the kind person that she is, I don't think there's anything to be afraid of.

Besides, I've heard rumors that 'Stranger Things' is still running on the surface!

Gavial, do you know how much time and effort I spent to prepare for this moment?!

What if they decide to stay down here because you had to butt in?!

Hm... but I just took a look around, and all of them seem to be looking forward to it. They're gonna vote for it.

You persuaded them already.

How can you always be so optimistic...?

By the way, Gavial, how is Stitch doing?

He says he's willing to give it a shot.

Hm? Where did he go?

I saw him in the forum. That's why I'm asking.

And looking at him now, it looks like he's really going to do it.

Let me give him a hand, then.

The crowd of the forum is bubbling with talk of going to the surface.

This seems to have nothing to do with him. He should have gone inside with Gavial. He has never been comfortable with situations like this to begin with.

But he stays where he is.

He knows he isn't afraid.

He knows that there is an urge inside of him to say something.

But he has no idea how to begin.

Right, I have a piece of regrettable news I forgot to share.

After he learned of Zeruertza's impending disaster, our design representative, Catch Lightrace, has decided to resign from his position and part ways with us for the moment.

He's going to seek out our previous design representative, Master Finch Canvas, whose whereabouts are unknown.

I understand and respect his decision.

Furthermore, before he left, he appointed Master Finch's disciple, Stitch Canvas to take his position.

And I know better than anyone that Stitch Canvas is a talented architect. Which is why I accepted this request.

Now, let's invite him up here to say a few words.

Stitch, the floor is yours.

I... I'm aware you don't really know who I am... Just that my teacher is the famous Finch Canvas.

M-My style is very different from my teacher's. His is more about resisting materialism, while mine is more leaning toward—

Sorry, that's not what I wanted to say.